was: 'How is Tom Swift and his father, if I may be permitted to ask?'"
"Ha! Ha!" laughed the lad, at the recollection of the odd sea captain, who generally tagged on an apologetic expression to most of his remarks.
"He was getting ready to take part in some South American revolution," went on Mr. Damon. "He used most of his money that he got from the wreck to help finance their cause."
"I must tell Mr. Sharp," went on the lad. "He'll be interested."
"Anything new since I've been away?" asked the odd man. "Bless my shoe laces, but I'm glad to get back!"
Tom told of the prospect of a new bank being started, and of Sam's midnight visit, as well as the encounter with Mr. Foger and Andy.
"I went over to see what Mr. Foger wanted of you," went on the young inventor, "but you weren't home. Did he call?"
"The servant said he had been there, not once, but several times," remarked Mr. Damon. "That reminds me. He left a note for me, and I haven't read it yet. I'll do so now."
He tore open the letter, and hastily perused the contents.
